Philadelphia 76ers Preview: 5 Things to Look For in Opener

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Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) takes a break during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

5- Can the 76ers win?

While the Philadelphia 76ers should be a much better team than they were during their 10-win season last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder might be too tall a task on opening night.

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Oklahoma City was one win away from making the NBA Finals last season, and even though Kevin Durant skipped town, they still have Russell Westbrook with a solid core surrounding him.

The Thunder will also be playing with a chip on their shoulder in order to prove that they can still be a contender in the Western Conference without Durant.

The Sixers will almost certainly come up short in this one, but if everything falls into its right place, it’s not impossible for them to get the win (think back to last season’s overtime game against the 73-win Golden State Warriors).

In order to win, Philadelphia will need to (somehow) contain Westbrook and Saric will have to pick up the scoring. Embiid, Richaun Holmes and Jahlil Okafor will have to do what they can to out-muscle Oklahoma City’s big’s in the paint, as well.

And most importantly, Philadelphia will have to sink its open shots.

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If the Sixers can accomplish these feats, they’ll have a chance, but it’s much easier said than done.

The Center is going to be loud at tip-off on Wednesday night — let’s see if the hometown 76ers can keep the crowd on their feet for the next 48 minutes.